The Young Men's Service League (YMSL), a national nonprofit organization offering a four-year program for high school boys focusing on education, leadership, and philanthropy, has a new Redwood chapter serving Menlo Park and surrounding communities.

Paige Singh, president of the Redwood YSL, says 114 mothers and sons have joined the chapter since it was formed in May. Grant Wilson, a sophomore at St. Francis High School, is student president of the league.

During the past few months, boys and their mothers have volunteered with 13 partner organizations, including the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Peninsula, Lytton Gardens Senior Center, Save the Bay, Shelter Network/Inn Vision, Special Olympics and Village Harvest.

At the Boys & Girls Club in Redwood City, members take part in a reading and tutoring program. In September, 12 YMSL members joined forces with volunteers from 2nd Mile to revitalize the school library at Brentwood Academy in East Palo Alto. Recently Redwood chapter sons and their mothers served dinner to residents of the Maple Street Shelter in Redwood City.

"Since joining, I've volunteered at five different events and supported soldiers, seniors and students," says YMSL member Carson DeMiroz, a sophomore at Sequoia High School. "I've also helped at events raising money for cancer and repaired bikes for donations. I was surprised about what a difference I could make without much experience or training."

Visit ymslredwood.chapterweb.net for more information.

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